Victoria Day Weekend raises concern for passengers

As drivers hit the road this Victoria Day long weekend, police will be conducting a province-wide enforcement blitz to target speeders as part of a month-long campaign.

Over the Victoria Day long weekend, 16 people were injured in 120 crashes throughout the North Central region in 2017.

“Crashes are preventable,” Road Safety Coordinator for Northern B.C., Doug MacDonald told MyPGNow. “Slowing down, making sure you give yourself enough time to get to where you’re going, make sure you’re prepared for those delays that are going to happen. Also, have some extra water in the vehicle so in case you need to stop for a break you have some food. (Make sure) you have an emergency roadside kit as well.”

In a recent survey conducted by Ipsos for ICBC (April 2019), almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of respondents said they’ve been concerned for their safety as a passenger in a vehicle they considered to be speeding. And as drivers, 46 per cent said their top concern of possible consequences from speeding was injuring a passenger.

With speed the number one cause of car crash fatalities in B.C., it’s no wonder people are concerned. As you’re traveling with family and friends this long weekend, it’s important to remember to slow down.